Latest fundraising drums up £35k for HA

The event, which saw the seven chefs from the 2008 BBC2 series of the Great British Menu, was held on Monday 18th May at the Marriott Grosvenor Square. Jason Atherton of Maze was the first chef of the night to showcase his culinary skills. He produced a selection of mouth-watering canapés to accompany the champagne reception. The six course menu was then served to the 240 guests and every course received undisputed praise from some esteemed guests including Prue Leith OBE, Angela Hartnett MBE, Matthew Fort and Stuart Gillies. The full menu saw Tom Kitchin, of The Kitchin, deliver an amuse-bouche of haggis, neeps and tatties followed a starter, by The Hardwick's Stephen Terry, of smoked salmon, beetroot jelly and caviar. Danny Millar, Balloo House, provided the fish course of poached halibut with cockle and smoked bacon chowder and Nigel Haworth from the Michelin-starred Northcote Manor produced 'Lonkshire' Lamb with caramelised sweetbreads, Formby asparagus and samphire. Those with a sweet tooth were more than catered for with an impressive pre-dessert by Chris Horridge of Cliveden, verbena blancmange, early summer fruit, pro bio 'Nutrasouptical' and flower tissue and finally a chocolate truffle with passionfruit sorbet dished up by Glynn Purnell of Purnell's in Birmingham. Penny Moore, CEO of Hospitality Action said: "Tonight has been a fantastic success. It has been a true privilege to have these outstanding seven chefs show their support for the charity. The food, atmosphere, and outcome of the evening in raising £35,000 for the charity could not have been better. A big thank you to the generosity of all the people that worked hard to make tonight happen." Jason Atherton, Maze, summed up the charitable attitude which made the night such a success. "It's just my way of trying to put something back into the industry, to help out others who might be struggling because we are living in difficult times." Weblink: www.hospitalityaction.org.uk